Imaging tech goes from defense industry to the hospital

Advanced thermal imaging technologies previously used for Israeli military and security purposes will be adapted for use in heart surgery, diabetic foot treatment, surgical incision infections and respiratory monitoring at Israel’s largest hospital, Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan.

This is the subject of a memorandum of understanding between Sheba and Opgal, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

Using thermal cameras originally designed for night vision, physicians can detect physiological processes based on changes in energy and heat in the body and display these changes on a digital screen.

For example, this technology can enable doctors and surgeons to accurately identify movement in blood vessels and present a clear picture of carbon dioxide being emitted by exhalation.

“The new relationship between medical excellence and excellence in the defense industry is groundbreaking,” said Prof. Eyal Zimlichman, Sheba’s chief innovation and transformation officer, and head of its ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) Innovation Center.

“The solutions worked on by Elbit and Opgal experts and Sheba doctors are not only significant for Sheba and Israel but will have an international impact. These are global solutions to global problems, and we believe there is great potential here to change the face of medicine on an international level.”

“Thermal technology, which until now has helped pilots take off and land, and soldiers on the battlefield identify threats and targets, has the potential to help medical teams worldwide to see the invisible and make more accurate diagnoses,” said Tsachi Israel, CEO of Opgal. “We are the leading experts in our respective fields, working together to innovate in order to save lives and prevent suffering for many patients.” ISRAEL21c